Back-to-school budget tips for Aussie parents

Back-to-school budgeting helps Australian parents plan for uniforms, school supplies and tech costs so they can avoid last-minute spending and reduce financial stress at the start of the school year.

I know… the last thing you want to be doing after surviving the Christmas chaos is pacing through the shops, frantically grabbing school shoes from Aldi, rushing to snap up Kmart school bags, and anxiously hoping that Officeworks still has one of those elusive scientific calculators in stock. Been there. As a single mum with one in primary and another in high school, I’ve lived the panic of realising I’ve forgotten something vital the night before school starts. “Guess who’s wearing last year’s undersized polo and hoping no one notices?” Trust me on this, a little planning makes it so much easier; and far less chaotic!

With a bit of help, you can conquer that school list without losing your mind and, I promise you’ll be able to walk into the shops with your school shopping list, and walk out knowing you’ve stuck to your budget without breaking a sweat. Ready to get the kids back-to-school and budget like a boss?

Australian parents spent an average of $2,671 per primary school child and $5,043 per secondary school student in 2025.

Finder 2025 survey.

The ultimate back-to-school money saving hack: start with a budget

Having a budget is your best back-to-school ally. Having two kids, I know how quickly back-to-school costs can add up. The trick is to be organised early and have a plan. It’s not about cutting out the fun, it’s about shopping smarter. It really makes all the difference to starting the school year on the right foot.

The first step to a stress-free back-to-school shopping experience? Download MyBudget’s free Personal Budget Template. It’s a simple tool to organise your spending and ensure you stay on track. Avoid a January bank blowout and feel confident that your budget covers everything from stationery to big-ticket items like laptops or headphones.

Feeling overwhelmed by back-to-school costs?

If managing your back-to-school budget feels daunting, you’re not alone. Many families find it challenging, but that’s where MyBudget comes in. Our team works with you to create a clear, personalised budget plan to cover school costs, manage bills, and reduce money stress, so you can focus on your kids, not your bank balance. If you need extra support, you can speak directly with one of our expert Money Coaches by calling 1300 300 922 or enquiring online.

If you’re a single parent juggling school costs on one income, you might also find our guide on surviving as a single parent on one income helpful, especially if back-to-school expenses are adding extra pressure.

Back-to-school costs are a financial burden for many families, with 1 in 3 Australian parents unable to afford expenses like stationery and uniforms in 2024.

Finder 2024 survey.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that starting early is key to managing a back-to-school budget, especially with rising school costs and ongoing cost of living pressures facing Australian families. Here’s why planning ahead when shopping for school supplies makes a world of difference.

Avoid last-minute school shopping

One year, I left everything to do with back to school shopping all to the last minute. Big mistake. The only school shoes left were either three sizes too small or ridiculously expensive. So I had to pay the price! Lesson learned. Now, I start shopping in December to spread out the costs and catch the best deals – or even as early as Black Friday in November. Sometimes I’ll pick up the next couple of sizes if I find a good deal. This is something I never regret!

First things first, grab a copy of your school’s stationery list. It’s probably sitting in your inbox (check that spam folder!). Having a list keeps you focused and stops you from tossing unnecessary extras into the trolley.

Here’s a list of 7 essential back-to-school items to get you started:

1. Laptops: Buying a laptop for school? Look for JB Hi-Fi BYOD bargains (yes, I had to Google that too). BYOD? That’s ‘Bring Your Own Device’; for those not fluent in school acronyms! Whether it’s a laptop for high school or primary school, these JB Hi-Fi student discounts are going to help you stick to your back-to-school budget. And don’t forget a sturdy case for your school laptop.
2. Uniforms: Wondering how to save on school uniforms? Start with local buy-sell-swap Facebook groups; they’re a treasure trove for pre-loved uniforms. My youngest daughter’s primary uniforms cost next to nothing from one of these groups. When she outgrew them, I sold them back and bought the next size up, budget win!
3. School shoes: Aldi’s premium leather school shoes for $24.99 are a steal. Just don’t get sidetracked by the special buys aisle (we’ve all been there!).
4. School bags: Kmart school bags are pretty cool and some even come with a lunch bag and a water bottle. Budget between $9 to $30. (That’s more money for coffee. Priorities.)
5. Stationery: Officeworks school list service is free and can save you time and guesswork. Type in your school’s name, and your child’s year-level and the list is ready to go. No more “Mum, you forgot my glue sticks!”
6. Headphones: Whether it’s for online tutoring, or blocking out their siblings, Officeworks and JB Hi-Fi have plenty of affordable options to keep them focused; and you sane. Believe me, investing in a decent pair of headphones is a win for everyone. Peace and quiet? That’s priceless.
7. Calculator: Make sure the calculator isn’t older than your child! Seriously, double-check it meets the school’s requirements so you’re not caught off guard halfway through algebra. Bonus points if it’s solar-powered and can survive being dropped a few times.

Stick to the school list: your golden rule for back-to-school budget wins

I know, it’s easier said than done, especially when your kids are tagging along. But sticking to shopping for the school’s list is the quickest way to avoid budget blowouts and aisle meltdowns. You don’t want to be the mum saying “no” on repeat while dodging sneaky glitter pen requests (we’ve all been there).

Here’s a trick from a mother with multiple years of experience in shopping for school supplies: hand over the list, give each kid a basket, and turn it into a challenge. Nothing keeps kids more focused than a bit of competition, and anything that keeps them entertained while you shop is a win!

Shop from home

I’ve learned to dig through cupboards before buying anything new. You’d be surprised how many forgotten notebooks and markers are hiding in there. Also, check with your kids what books or stationery from last year didn’t end up getting used. This is where I save the most!

Buy in bulk

For items like notebooks and pens, buying in bulk can save money over the long term. I grab deals at Officeworks and stash extras away for later in the year – or even the following year. Or have a mums’ (or dads’) catch-up at Officeworks and buy in bulk together to save!

Compare prices online

I always check prices online before heading out. It’s amazing how much you can save by doing a quick search. I put together a quick spreadsheet of what we need and note down prices at the top five places I plan to shop. It gives a clear visual of where the best deals are.

Take advantage of sales

Look out for back-to-school promotions and clearance sales. Scoring a good deal can make a huge difference, so it’s worth keeping an eye out! Discount stores like Kmart, Big W, and Officeworks often have great deals on items like school bags, stationery, and uniforms. JB Hi-Fi often has big back-to-school promotions for big-ticket items like laptops and headphones.

In 2025, Australian parents spent an average of $694 on school supplies for primary students and $1,149 for secondary students.

Finder 2025 survey.

It’s easy to plan for uniforms and stationery, but hidden school expenses like public transport, extracurricular activities, camps and excursions can catch you off guard, adding to the overall financial burden for Australian parents. These expenses often remain a mystery until the form surfaces from the depths of their school bag; crumpled, slightly sticky, and smelling like banana… and payment was due yesterday! Factor these extras into your budget now, and you’ll avoid that last-minute panic.

Big-ticket items like school laptops can put a serious dent in your back-to-school budget. But there are ways to manage those costs without sacrificing quality. Here’s how to save money when shopping for a school laptop:

Go refurbished or second-hand

Before you fork out a fortune, check out refurbished models or hand-me-downs. Your kids will get the tech they need, and you’ll save big. Bonus: if it gets a crack or two (because you know it will), it won’t sting quite as much!

Opt for a payment plan

I took advantage of the school’s payment plan for my eldest’s laptop, spreading the cost over six months. It made a huge difference to my school budget, and I didn’t have to survive on baked beans for dinner. If you’re considering Buy Now, Pay Later options to spread the cost, it’s worth understanding how repayments work and whether they fit safely into your budget.

Trade in old devices

Got an old tablet or phone gathering dust? Don’t let it sit there! Trade it in at JB Hi-Fi’s Trade-In Program and get credit toward your new tech purchase. It’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and clears out your tech drawer at the same time.

According to the same Finder survey, uniforms accounted for $249 for primary students and $477 for secondary students on average in 2025.

Here’s how to handle these unavoidable expenses and keep your budget intact:

Prioritise needs over wants

I’ve learned to focus on what’s essential. Kids don’t need every piece of the uniform on day one – start with seasonal basics and add items as needed.

Explore affordable uniform options

Affordable school essentials are easier to find than you think. Start by exploring second-hand stores and online marketplaces for pre-loved uniforms. Many schools have community-led Facebook buy-sell-swap groups where parents can save a fortune on uniforms. Most of my youngest daughter’s primary uniform came from a Facebook Marketplace group dedicated to her school; it’s a brilliant way to save money!

For brand-new purchases, Big W, Kmart, Target and even Aldi are known for budget-friendly options on school uniforms, shoes, and stationery. Using a mix of these resources can help you cut costs while still getting everything your child needs.

Involving your children in the budgeting process can turn back-to-school shopping into a lesson in financial literacy for your kids, while reinforcing smart money habits and long-term budgeting tips.

Teach financial lessons

Show your kids the costs of items and encourage them to help prioritise what’s necessary. Both my kids get their own copy of their back-to-school list, and we make a morning of it before the shops get too chaotic. Each of them takes charge of finding their own items (with a bit of help when needed) and ticks them off as they go. It turns what could be a stressful trip into a productive, budget-friendly adventure.

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning (and MyBudget by your side), you can stay on top of expenses and focus on what really matters, seeing your kids thrive. For over 25 years, MyBudget hashelped more than 130,000 Australians manage their money, pay bills on time, reduce debt and plan for the future.

Here’s what that support looks like when it comes to managing back-to-school costs:

• Tailored budget to fit your family’s needs
• Back-to-school expenses covered, year after year
• Support for managing big-ticket items like laptops or headphones.

With MyBudget, you’ll feel in control and ready to tackle the Australian school year without the financial stress. Enquire online today or call us on 1300 300 922 to get started.